Other Materials

Antimony Trisulfide

Potassium Titanate

Gilsonite

Calcium Fluoride (Fluorite)

Zinc Sulfide

Sicacell

Bentonite

Talc

Molybdenum disulfide is also known as the mineral molybdenite and has the chemical formula MoS₂. Molybdenum disulfide has a crystal structure similar to graphite; as a result, it has similar frictional characteristics.

MoS₂ has excellent film forming properties and is an excellent lubricant in moisture free environments below 450 C. This substance has also shown enhanced friction properties in inert atmospheres and under high vacuum where other conventional lubricants fail. MoS₂ is also an effective “extreme pressure lubricant.”

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Antimony trisulfide is also known as the mineral stibnite and has the chemical formula Sb₂S₃. This unique mineral has perfect basal cleavage, which results in a material with unique friction properties.

In friction components, stibnite may enhance the effects of other solid lubricants such as graphite or molybdenum disulfide. Sb₂S₃ additions to friction formulations help to decrease wear and stabilize the coefficient of friction by aiding the formation of a uniform “friction boundary layer.”

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Potassium titanate is a synthetic product with the chemical formula K₂Ti₆O₁₃ This material is used as a friction additive to increase the mechanical strength and stiffness, and resistance to high temperatures, of friction composites.

When used as an additive to dynamic friction materials, it helps to improve overall friction properties and wear resistance. Potassium titanate is also thermally insulative and has noise damping effects at low and medium temperatures. This product is available as a finely milled powder. 

Gilsonite is a naturally occurring high volatile, solid hydrocarbon residue found in commercial deposits only in the Uintah Basin of northeastern Utah.

This unique material is similar in appearance to coal, asphalt, or coal tar pitch. However, unlike asphalt and coal tar pitch, Gilsonite is considered non-hazardous. It can be used as an additive in ink, paint, asphalt products, foundry sand additives, and drilling mud. It also is used as a replacement for, or in addition to, coal tar pitch as a binder in refractory materials.

Gilsonite is specified based on ash content and melting point. Approximately 25 grades are available, which bracket melting/softening temperatures between about 240 F to over 400 F. Ash contents vary from less than 0.5% to approximately 10%.

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Also known as fluorspar, calcium fluoride is crystalline solid with the composition CaF₂. Calcium fluoride is used in many applications including but not limited to high temperature lubrication, fluxing of steel, as a binder in abrasive wheels, in glass production, and as a component in synthetic cryolite.

Asbury Carbons can supply two grades of calcium fluoride with nominal sizes of either 98% passing 200-mesh or 70% passing 200-mesh.

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Zinc sulfide, ZnS, is a solid lubricant recommended for special friction applications where high loads and high temperatures are encountered.

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Sicacell is a trade name for a unique friction material manufactured using a proprietary process that combines calcium hydrosilicate with cellulose fiber.

Sicacell is used as a processing aid that is effective at preventing segregation of blended friction materials. It offers good thermal stability and may improve brake performance by absorbing frictional heat.

Sicacell is available in two particle sizes, and is also available blended with potassium titanate.

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Bentonite, also known as sodium montmorillonite, is hydrous aluminum silicate clay mined in the western United States. Bentonite is a highly plastic clay and can be used to increase the “plasticity” of any clay, coating, etc., to which it is added. Bentonite can also be used as an effective suspension agent for many aqueous systems, especially those that will be exposed to refractory conditions.

Bentonite clay is unique in that when it absorbs water is actually swells due to the increase in size of the hydrated particles. This phenomenon results in clay that can be used to create “water tight” surface structures such as ponds and canals. Bentonite can also be used to seal water-containing surface features that are leaking, including earthen dams, retention ponds, stock ponds, fish ponds, etc. 

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Mineral talc is a soft, lubricious, inert substance that can be used as low cost filler in a variety of products. Asbury can provide mineral talc in a variety of sizes, including micrometer-sized powders. Asbury’s talc filler is designed for industrial, non-pharmaceutical products only.